DANBURY -- Customers checking out the Applebee's on Federal Road might be surprised to see photos of their neighbors adorning the restaurant's walls.

As part of a recent redesign, murals of local high school sports teams and emergency responders have been placed throughout the eatery in addition to a new bar and large screen televisions to attract the sports fans.

Stuart Davis, the marketing coordinator for the franchisee's eastern region operations, said the new look is part of a rebranding that's being done at all of the locations including Applebee's in Orange, Torrington, Plainville and Groton.

"It was really a way to provide a fresh new look for the store and show that we are part of the community," Davis said.

The restaurant's previous decor, he said, was auctioned off. The proceeds, about $4,400 was donated to the Make-A-Wish Connecticut organization, he said.

While the restaurant hopes to continue its family friendly atmosphere, Davis noted that there is also an effort to attract more sports fans to the restaurant for Sunday night football games and other events.

"It's something our customers have been asking for," Davis said. "Our customers can still have a nice meal with their family in the dining room, but this gives them another option. They can also come in on a Sunday night or a Thursday and watch the game."

Mayor Mark Boughton, who was on hand Thursday when the new look was unveiled, said he believes the restaurant is moving in the right direction.

"It's really a whole new vibe," he said. "The restaurant really needed to be updated and they did a great job. I love that they focused on Danbury people and our public safety employees."

Davis noted that other changes in the restaurant's future includes new food offerings as well as tablets that will be on every table.